Arsenal have largely been unflappable all season, yet in the run-up to their crunch match with Manchester City, Mikel Arteta's men have faltered.

Three consecutive draws have surrendered six crucial points, and now leaves the title in Pep Guardiola's hands once again unless they can claim an unlikely victory at the Etihad.

Arguably the most frustrating of that trio of results was their most recent draw with Southampton, as they never really got going despite playing in front of an Emirates under floodlights. For all the home support given, players simply did not turn up as they were thwarted by a side bottom of the league.

However, one of the worst performers from that clash was undoubtedly Gabriel Jesus, who spurned countless opportunities up top that would have secured an albeit undeserved victory. His expected goals sat at a lofty 1.14, yet the Brazilian did not record a single goal contribution.

Whilst few would question the impressive impact the 26-year-old has had on the Gunners, with nine goals and six assists in just 20 league appearances perhaps with viable competition this complacency might not have been an issue. Eddie Nketiah, for all of his mid-season heroics, is far from the requisite quality to challenge for titles.

However, in the on-loan Folarin Balogun, they could have a perfect alternative to their star striker who can displace the fellow Hale End graduate for at least a season.

How has Folarin Balogun played this season?

Having starred out on loan at Reims, the 21-year-old has captured the attention as he sits fourth in the Ligue 1 scoring charts with 18 goals; Kylian Mbappe only boasts four more.

Although the youngster is reportedly seeking a starting spot elsewhere, perhaps Arteta could convince him to remain in north London for one key season to challenge Jesus for the starting spot. That competition could prove imperative in next year's title fight, to raise the level of the squad depth infinitely.

To compare, Nketiah has made 25 league appearances this season yet has only scored four goals, all of which came in a month-long period of success that would be short-lived.

Meanwhile, Balogun has proved his ability to finish at the top level already, with the "in-form" forward, as lauded by journalist Charles Watts, more than good enough to be backup.

The 5 foot 10 finisher has the backing of a fan favourite in north London too, as Thierry Henry was keen to praise his exploits from such a blistering campaign: "I’m really happy for him because in general English players don’t go abroad. Normally players are loaned either to another Premier League side or in the Championship.

"He’s a very English-style player who likes to run down the channels but he was missing something, which was his finishing. He’s now starting to score goals regularly and I’m happy for that – happy he has gone abroad."

Whilst this potential switch remains highly hypothetical, the opportunity to fight for his starting spot in one season must appeal to the Brooklyn-born "machine" – as per Fox's Garland Gillen. Indeed, he looks more than ready to challenge Jesus next term.

Should the £30k-per-week forward succeed, likely pushing Arsenal even closer to the title, then it will have been a wise move. Should it fail, then his stock will remain high enough that he could still move on with ease. Arteta must get to work convincing Balogun to trust the process, whilst informing Nketiah that his time might be up.

Leeds United face what could be a defining week in their season, with the Whites set to take on fellow strugglers Leicester City later today, before taking on another relegation rival in AFC Bournemouth on Sunday.

Currently just a point from safety, the Yorkshire side face the very real prospect of a return to life in the second tier, having only secured promotion back to the Premier League in 2020, after a 16-year absence.

A positive result against the Foxes this evening at Elland Road, however, would likely do wonders in helping to calm any nerves among Leeds supporters, with Javi Gracia's side needing to shake off their recent run of three successive defeats in the league.

The club's most recent loss saw them on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline against a high-flying Fulham side at Craven Cottage, with that having come after previous, shambolic showings at home to both Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

With Gracia and co needing to avoid yet another thrashing on their own turf, one man who should seemingly drop out of the starting lineup is right-back, Rasmus Kristensen, with the former Red Bull Salzburg man having distinctly underwhelmed in the last two league games.

Will Kristensen start against Leicester?

Having replaced Luke Ayling in the side following the debacle against the Eagles, Kristensen was among those who simply wilted up against Jurgen Klopp's side last week, having lost possession on 24 occasions from just 61 touches in that 6-1 drubbing, while also winning just six of his 14 total duels on the day.

Despite having been something of a liability both defensively and in an attacking sense against the Reds, the Denmark international kept his place for the trip to west London on Saturday, only to endure another afternoon to forget against the Cottagers.

The £10m summer signing has arguably "failed to make the step up from the Austrian Bundesliga to the Premier League", according to writer Zach Lowy, with those woes having been evident against Marco Silva's men.

The £40k-per-week dud was simply run ragged by opposition winger, Willian, with the latter man – who will turn 35 later this year – having had the defender "on toast" all afternoon, as per talkSPORT pundit Scott Minto.

That viewpoint was also echoed by Yorkshire Evening Post's Graham Smyth, who also went on to state that Kristensen simply 'couldn't get near' the veteran Brazilian at times.

The 25-year-old's struggles were showcased by the fact that he was dribbled past on three occasions and completed just 26 of his 33 passes, having subsequently been described as like a "League One defender" by Leeds Youtuber, Conor McGilligan.

That dismal display should ensure that the 14-cap brute is ditched for tonight's clash, even if that means bringing back Ayling into the fold, with it clear to see that 'right-back has been the biggest of many positional problems in the team this season', as per Leeds Live's Beren Cross.

The Athletic journalist Ian Irving has stated that a striker is the number-one transfer priority for Manchester United – and this could be impacted by David de Gea's future.

What's the latest Manchester United transfer news?

The Red Devils have been linked with a number of players over the last few months and with the Premier League season coming to an end those rumours will only grow.

For example, strikers Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen have been discussed a lot in the media, while Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper Gregor Kobel has also been touted as a target.

Man United may need a new goalkeeper amid uncertainty over De Gea's long-term future as negotiations continue over a contract after the £375k-p/w Spaniard rejected an initial offer of lower wages.

However, while speaking about it all on Chasing Green Arrows, Irving claimed that he expects the 32-year-old to sign eventually as Man Utd would rather keep their transfer fees to fund a "very expensive" move for a striker – as opposed to having to retain some money so sign a new man between the sticks.

He explained: "I wouldn't be surprised to see De Gea start next season as the Manchester United No 1 again, mainly because I feel like they've got a lot of other issues that we'll need to address.

"The absolute number-one priority for United this summer is a No 9. And that is going to be a very, very expensive transfer.

"So do you want to be losing David de Gea on a free – and having to probably spend 30, 40, 50 million on a replacement – when you can renew his contract for less than what he's on at the moment?"

Why don't Man United want to replace De Gea?

It's no great surprise to learn that Man United view a new No 9 as a priority, as with Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst currently having to do that role, the Dutchman has not really delivered the goalscoring numbers required (zero goals in 12 league outings).

However, if Kane or Osimhen are wanted, it could cost the Red Devils around £100m or more to land either forward.

That will no doubt take up a huge chunk of Erik ten Hag's transfer budget, and if De Gea was to leave, those funds would be compromised as a new shot-stopper would also be needed.

For example, the club have recently sent scouts to watch Porto’s highly-rated goalkeeper Diogo Costa, but he has a release clause of £66m. So you can see why it might be better to simply keep De Gea around and focus only on a new striker for the time being.

أعلن المدير الفني لمنتخب الكاميرون، ريجوبرت سونج، التشكيل الأساسي لمواجهة غينيا مساء اليوم في إطار منافسات كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ويلتقي المنتخبان في إطار منافسات الجولة الأولى من دور مجموعات البطولة، المُقامة حاليًا في كوت ديفوار.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ساديو ماني: السنغال لا يمكنها المزاح مع الكاميرون

ويغيب حارس المرمى أندريه أونانا عن مباراة اليوم رفقة الكاميرون، نظرًا لمشاركته في مباراة مانشستر يونايتد أمس ضد توتنهام في الدوري الإنجليزي.

ويتواجد منتخب الكاميرون في المجموعة الثالثة التي تضم كل من السنغال، جامبيا، إلى جانب غينيا. تشكيل الكاميرون أمام غينيا في كأس أمم إفريقيا

حراسة المرمى: أوندوا.

خط الدفاع: يونجوا، موكودي، كريستوفر ووه، جان شارل كاستيليتو.

خط الوسط: أنجيسا، كيمين، تشام.

خط الهجوم: جورج نكودو، إكامبي، فرانك ماجري.

Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce could make a big call and drop goalkeeper Illan Meslier, journalist Phil Hay has claimed.

What's going on with Leeds and Meslier?

Leeds have struggled in recent weeks, leading to the sacking of Javi Gracia and the arrival of Allardyce as one final throw of the dice in the battle against relegation.

The Whites have been a shambles at the back, conceding 23 goals in their last seven games, and Meslier has not covered himself in glory between the posts.

Hay has now claimed that the Frenchman could be dropped for Joel Robles as Allardyce attempts to fix the defensive issues in a very short amount of time, and Meslier could be the one sacrificed as Leeds travel to league leaders Manchester City.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show (19.40), Hay claimed that Allardyce is considering making the change ahead of his first game in charge with Leeds having conceded more goals than any other side this season:

"Once he started to drill down into what was actually going to happen, it was really clear that the priority was going to be the goalkeeper and the back four," he stated.

"In no way did he completely back Meslier, although he did say he thinks Meslier is a very, very good keeper, but he also made it very clear that he thinks Meslier has been making mistakes, which begs the question of will it be Robles away at Manchester City?"

Should Meslier be dropped?

The 23-year-old has dropped off in form, and this could affect his confidence for the final few games, which will have a lot of pressure on them.

Going to the Etihad with a goalkeeper short of confidence could be a disaster, particularly given the form Erling Haaland is in, having just scored his 35th league goal of the season.

It may be worth keeping Meslier out of the spotlight for what promises to be a tough game and playing the more experienced Robles, and taking a decision on Meslier based on how Robles performs away at Man City.

If the £30k-per-week ace was to start at City and make another error in what could be another thrashing, then it could completely ruin his confidence going into the final games, and it may prove more costly with survival on the line.

The game against City is the one where Leeds are least likely to get a result, and it could be the perfect time for Allardyce to make wholesale changes at the back and in goal to try and get an improved display out of the squad.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Arsenal and their links to Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins.

What's the latest on Watkins to Arsenal?

The forward has undergone a phenomenal transformation at Villa Park since the appointment of ex-Gunners boss Unai Emery.

Indeed, Watkins has bagged a brilliant 12 league goals in the time Emery was hired to now, with his imperious Premier League form also prompting calls for an England re-call (Transfermarkt).

The 27-year-old, alongside a dazzling goal record, has racked up four assists to his name since Emery's hire in October – numbers which have undoubtedly forced some of England's biggest clubs to take notice.

Arsenal are reportedly one of them with recent claims suggesting that they have set their sights on his signing, even if Villa wish to tie him down with new and improved terms.

Now, respected reporter Romano has an update on the matter after being asked by supporters. Speaking to CaughtOffside, it is claimed that nothing is advanced in regards to Watkins and Arsenal – going on to say the striker is only focused on Villa as things stand.

He explained:

“I’ve had Arsenal fans asking me about the reports on Ollie Watkins – I can say that I’m not aware of anything advanced at this stage with any club.

“He’s doing excellent and he’s only focused on Villa. I’m sure he’s capable of making the step up to one of the so-called ‘big six’, but we also have to respect Villa as the project is ambitious and Unai Emery is there to help them grow.”

Should Arsenal tempt him?

While this update comes as a disappointing one for fans who wish to see him make the north London move, stances in football can change very quickly. Depending on developments in the Midlands, Arsenal should at the very least be monitoring his rumoured contract talks with the view of pouncing if there is no agreement.

Barring his sensational return this season, Watkins' numbers highlight that of a very capable attacking threat – having attempted more shots at goal per 90 than any other Villa player in the top flight (WhoScored).

Speaking after Villa's recent victory over Newcastle, pundit Rio Ferdinand absolutely heralded Watkins – even comparing him to Man City superstar Erling Haaland.

"He couldn't have done much more – he was magnificent," Ferdinand told BT Sport (via BBC).

"He asks all the questions a defender doesn't want. On form, he can't not be in the England squad. He's sitting alongside Haaland since the World Cup."

This summer will see mass change at Glasgow Rangers, with various members of the first team squad moving on from the Ibrox side, either due to their contracts expiring or with Michael Beale selling them to make way for new recruits.

This certainly means it is the last hurrah for club stalwarts such as Allan McGregor and Steven Davis, two players who have given so much for the Light Blues, yet all good things have to come to an end, and they have perhaps stayed on a tad longer than what was necessary.

Davis suffered a serious injury to his knee prior to Christmas that resulted in him missing the rest of the season, and it looks as though he may have played his final game for the club.

Across two spells, the Northern Irishman has made himself an icon at the club after making 360 appearances for the Gers and winning ten major honours, including four league titles while also playing in two European finals.

The question is, who could replace him? Beale will be on the lookout for players to sign of course, yet there may be a young talent in the academy who could eventually become Davis’ heir; Bailey Rice.

Who is Bailey Rice?

The 16-year-old only joined the Gers from Motherwell last summer, touted as a “prospect” by journalist Mark Hendry, it’s evident he has all the talent to make the step up to the Ibrox first team.

Indeed, he made his debut for the club against Livingston earlier this year as a spritely teen, and it clearly proves how much hope Beale has for the youngster that he would give him a run out in the league.

The youngster has amassed 21 caps for the Scotland U17 side, representing them in the U17 European Championship and his next steps will be to make inroads in the higher age groups.

This season, Rice has played 21 matches for the B team, scoring twice and grabbing an assist and his ability to play either as a defensive or central midfielder strikes him as a similar player to Davis, who could also chip in with the odd goal or assist for good measure.

It’s a testament to how good the former Well starlet is that several top European teams, including Real Madrid, Porto and Borussia Dortmund among others, are keeping a close eye on his progress something that will no doubt have given him a serious confidence boost.

With Davis set for the exit door, Rice could eventually make further progress and add in similar qualities that enabled the 38-year-old to shine during his two spells. If Beale can keep the youngster happy, he could have an excellent future with the Light Blues.

Alex McLeish’s spell as manager of Glasgow Rangers must go down in the history books as one of the finest in the previous 50 years, especially considering the vast financial constraints he had to work with.

He won seven major honours during his four and a half seasons at the helm, including a marvellous treble in 2002/03 and claiming an unlikely title in 2004/05, stunning Celtic who were defeated by Motherwell on the final day.

The former Aberdeen defender had to resort to signing players either on loan or snapping them up for free with the odd signing such as Thomas Buffel or Barry Ferguson.

The summer of 2004 was arguably his most difficult in charge of the club, having lost the league title by a 17-point margin and the onus was on the Ibrox side to improve massively to prevent Celtic from dominating Scottish football.

McLeish signed Dado Prso on a free transfer while he also added French centre-back Jean-Alain Boumsong to his ranks after he signed a pre-contract agreement with the Glasgow giants back in December 2003, and it proved to be one of his finest signings as manager.

How much did Rangers sell Jean-Alain Boumsong for?

Having made 174 appearances for Auxerre and winning seven caps for France before arriving at the club in 2004, his move was certainly deemed a major coup, and he was looked upon as a player who could become the mainstay at the heart of the defence for a few years.

He shone during the first half of his debut season, playing 26 times for the Gers, and keeping them within touching distance of Celtic, even defeating them twice before Christmas and the move appeared to be a wise one.

In January 2005, however, Premier League outfit Newcastle United came calling with an £8m bid and the offer was clearly too good to turn down, especially considering he arrived for nothing just six months prior.

Over the next few months, it was evident that McLeish had struck gold on the 6 foot 3 colossus by allowing him to move to the English top-flight, as he couldn’t quite live up to his price tag South of the border.

He eventually made just 59 appearances for the Magpies and was even listed as the 17th worst player to ever play in the Premier League, quite a feat.

Rangers made a massive profit on the Frenchman, and it allowed McLeish to sign Buffel and Ferguson that same transfer window which spearheaded their title challenge, though it was quickly clear Boumsong wasn’t cut out for Premier League football.

Leeds United are reportedly willing to meet the financial demands of Real Madrid forward Mariano Diaz ahead of a potential summer transfer.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news involving Diaz?

On the pitch, the Whites are currently looking to avoid relegation from the Premier League in the final five games of the season, with this weekend’s trip to Bournemouth appearing to be key.

However, off the pitch, it appears as if the club, who look likely to be under new owners in the 49ers Enterprises this summer, are working on possible signings. Diaz is one player who has been linked with a move to Leeds recently, and a further update has now emerged.

Sport Witness shared news from Defensa Central regarding Diaz in the last 48 hours. They said that the Whites have come forward to sign the forward on a free transfer.

The report claims that Elland Road could be an option for Diaz if he wants to earn €4.5m-a-year (£3.98m) as Leeds are ready to meet his ‘financial demands’.

Only if Leeds are in the Premier League…

The figures shared in the update work out at £76,500-a-week, which could see Diaz become the second-highest earner in Yorkshire behind top scorer Rodrigo.

He has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Patrick Bamford, whose costly late miss against Leicester City could prove pivotal in the club’s survival hopes come the end of the season.

However, if Leeds manage to remain in the top flight for a fourth successive season, Diaz could be a risky signing. The 29-year-old, an out-and-out centre-forward, has won 11 major honours with Madrid but has made just 82 appearances for the club across two spells, contributing to 15 goals.

His only eye-catching campaign came with Lyon, scoring 18 Ligue 1 goals during 2017/18 season, where he was labelled as a “powerful” player by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas during his time in France.

Diaz has struggled for game time at the Bernabeu in recent years, though, so offering him a big deal could be a major gamble, but it looks as if Leeds may be willing to take that risk over the coming months.

Manchester United having Alejandro Garnacho available for the run-in and FA Cup final has been described as a "huge boost" by one reporter.

What’s the latest Man United news involving Garnacho?

Garnacho has featured heavily in Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge, making 29 senior appearances in all competitions. The 18-year-old has contributed to nine goals but has been out injured with an ankle problem since the middle of March.

The Argentine’s current deal was set to expire in 2024, but it was announced on Friday that he has signed a new deal through to 2028. It was also confirmed by Ten Hag that the winger would not be released to represent Argentina at the Under-20 World Cup.

Taking to Twitter, Daily Express reporter Alex Turk described it as a "huge boost" for United.

Good news for the Red Devils…

Garnacho recently made a personal request to Ten Hag, asking the manager to let him join up with his Argentina colleagues for the Under-20 World Cup which would result in him missing the FA Cup final.

That wasn't ideal from a Red Devils perspective, however, they should be able to call upon I'm at Wembley in June, and this contract update is also good news.

Still in the early stages of his career, Garnacho has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain in recent months, so knowing his long-term future could be at Old Trafford is exciting.

He appears to be a star in the making, and should he pen an extension, you’d expect that he’ll be looking to break into Ten Hag’s first-choice XI over the coming years.

Garnacho has started just four Premier League games this season, but over time, he could become a key player for United, with Paul Scholes believing he may become a “superstar” and the club’s next Cristiano Ronaldo.